Economic Survey 2013: Marginal rise in cargo traffic in Apr-Sept 2012

Cargo traffic at ports in the country grew by 1.8% during April-September period largely due to a 3.3% decline in cargo at major ports in the country, according to the Economic Survey 2012-13, tabled in the parliament on Wednesday.

Non Major ports meanwhile grew at more than 10% during the period, inviting criticism from experts regarding the government's handling of major ports in the country.

Ennore Port, country's lone corporate port recorded the highest growth in cargo during the April-September period while Kolkata Port saw the highest decline in cargo.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, country's largest container port currently handle 48% of the container tonnage in the country, according to the survey.

In addition, the port sector also could not attract any foreign investment in the sector during the April-November period according to the survey.

In September last year, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port had to withdraw a deal signed with Port of Singapore and ABG ports for the construction of a terminal at the port. The deal could have emerged as the largest foreign investment in the port sector.

The economic survey also said that the country needs to provide urgent attention to issues related to infrastructure, trade facilitation, taxes and credit in order to boost the country's exports

"Ports need to be run as corporate entities and not as trusts. Being run as trusts reduce their efficiency and that has been the sole reason for the decline in cargo at major ports. Minor Ports are becoming more efficient and the ministry of shipping has to take stern actins to ensure that the major ports do not suffer", said a senior official at a government controlled port.